Federal Agents Use Penske Truck in Trojan Horse Raid at LA Home Depot

On August 6, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents executed a controversial immigration raid at a Home Depot in Los Angeles’ Westlake neighborhood, dubbed Operation Trojan Horse. Using a Penske rental truck as a deceptive “Trojan Horse,” agents arrested 16 day laborers and street vendors, reigniting fears of widespread sweeps. Despite a recent court order limiting such actions, the raid has sparked outrage and questions about legality. Why did agents employ such tactics, and what does this mean for Los Angeles? This article examines the raid, reactions, and implications.

Operation Trojan Horse: The Raid Unfolds

At 6:45 a.m., a Penske truck pulled into the Home Depot parking lot at 1675 Wilshire Boulevard, with the driver offering work to day laborers in Spanish. As workers gathered, over six masked agents, one in a cowboy hat, emerged from the truck’s cargo area, supported by unmarked vans. The operation, termed Operation Trojan Horse by Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino, led to 16 arrests of individuals from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Videos showed chaotic scenes, with agents chasing and handcuffing workers, including a street vendor. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the area has an MS-13 gang presence, but no arrested individuals were confirmed as gang members.

Legal Controversy and Court Orders

The raid occurred days after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a July 2025 ruling by Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, banning “roving patrols” and racial profiling in Southern California immigration enforcement. The order prohibits detentions based on race, language, job, or location, citing 4th Amendment violations. Critics, including the ACLU, argue the raid violated this temporary restraining order (TRO), as agents targeted day laborers and vendors without clear probable cause. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass questioned the operation’s legality, stating, “Just being a Home Depot day laborer is not probable cause.” The ACLU is reviewing potential violations.

Community and Official Reactions

The raid drew sharp criticism from local leaders and advocates. City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez called it an “attack on our judicial system” and a “clear violation” of the TRO, accusing agents of racial profiling. Immigrant advocates like Pablo Alvarado of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network condemned the “cowboy tactics” as an assault on communities. On X, sentiments were mixed: some praised the enforcement, with posts like “I voted for this!” while others decried the targeting of workers. Penske Truck Rental distanced itself, stating it was unaware of the truck’s use and prohibits transporting people in cargo areas.

Tactics and Ethical Concerns

Unlike prior raids using unmarked SUVs, agents employed a Penske truck and vans disguised with props like a straw hat and construction vest to blend in. Witnesses, including day laborer Cesar, described the operation as chaotic, with agents indiscriminately chasing workers. Anna Cho of the LA Tenants Union, present at the scene, noted the lack of response when asked for a warrant. The presence of a Fox News crew raised concerns about political motivations. Advocates argue the tactics exploited vulnerable workers seeking honest employment, intensifying fear in Latino communities.

Broader Implications for Los Angeles

The Westlake Home Depot raid follows similar operations since June 2025, including a Hollywood Home Depot raid on August 4. These actions have gutted local businesses and heightened anxiety among immigrant communities, despite the court’s restrictions. The Los Angeles region, a focal point of the Trump administration’s immigration strategy, saw protests and National Guard deployments earlier in 2025. Critics warn that such raids could escalate tensions and violate legal protections, while supporters argue they uphold federal law. The ongoing legal battle may reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Share your thoughts on this raid in the comments below.

FAQ: Operation Trojan Horse and Immigration Raids

• What was Operation Trojan Horse?
  A U.S. Border Patrol raid on August 6, 2025, at a Los Angeles Home Depot, using a Penske truck to arrest 16 day laborers and vendors.
• Did the raid violate court orders?
  The ACLU and city officials argue it may violate a 9th Circuit ruling banning racial profiling and roving patrols in Southern California.
• Why was a Penske truck used?
  Agents used the truck to pose as employers, luring workers before making arrests, a tactic critics call deceptive.

Key Details of the Westlake Home Depot Raid

• Date: August 6, 2025, 6:45 a.m.
• Location: Home Depot, 1675 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles.
• Arrests: 16 individuals from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua.
• Tactic: Penske truck used as a “Trojan Horse” to lure day laborers.
• Legal Issue: Potential violation of a federal court’s restraining order.